Our Canada based Law Firm is staffed with more than 25 licensed lawyers, licensed immigration consultants and technical personnel. Our firm represents international celebrities in the fashion industry and performing arts as well as some of North America’s largest corporations in their immigration and staffing projects.

An Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) is a new requirement for foreign nationals from visa-exempt countries arriving in Canada by air, whether to visit the country directly or to pass through in transit.

The Quebec law society (Quebec Bar Association) of which I am a member in good standing, has enacted legislation which prevents its members from publishing letters of gratitude or references from our clients.

If you wish to receive access to feedback from many hundreds of our former clients, dating back to 1996 through the present, please complete our free assessment questionnaire.

We will provide you at no charge, with an assessment of your qualifications for admission to Canada and, we will also include information for you to contact our former clients.

Principal applicant, if under 19 years of age and not a spouse or common-law partner (including a dependent child of the sponsor, a child to be adopted and an orphaned brother, sister, niece, nephew or grandchild)

$75

Spouse, common-law partner or conjugal partner of the principal applicant or, where a transitional provision applies, a family member of the principal applicant who is 22 years of age or older

$550

A family member of the principal applicant who is under 19 years of age and is not a spouse or common-law partner, or is 19 years of age or older who has been unable to be financially self-supporting since before the age of 19, due to a physical or mental condition

$150

Where a transitional provision applies, a family member of the principal applicant who:

is under 22 years of age, unmarried and not in a common-law relationship, or

is 22 years of age or older and has been unable to be financially self-supporting since before the age of 22, due to a physical or mental condition

$150

Note : Fees assessed for principal applicants and family members under the Family Class are payable, along with the sponsorship fee, when the sponsor files the sponsorship application.

Investor, Entrepreneur or Self-employed Persons Class applicants

Principal applicant

$1,050

Spouse, common-law partner or conjugal partner of the principal applicant, or where a transitional provision applies, a family member of the principal applicant who is 22 years of age or older

$550

A family member of the principal applicant who is under 19 years of age and is not a spouse or common-law partner, or is 19 years of age or older who has been unable to be financially self-supporting since before the age of 19, due to a physical or mental condition

$150

Where a transitional provision applies, a family member of the principal applicant who:

is under 22 years of age, unmarried and not in a common-law relationship, or

is 22 years of age or older and has been unable to be financially self-supporting since before the age of 22, due to a physical or mental condition

Spouse, common-law partner or conjugal partner of the principal applicant, or where a transitional provision applies, a family member of the principal applicant who is 22 years of age or older

$550

A family member of the principal applicant who is under 19 years of age and is not a spouse or common-law partner, or is 19 years of age or older who has been unable to be financially self-supporting since before the age of 19, due to a physical or mental condition

$150

Where a transitional provision applies, a family member of the principal applicant who:

is under 22 years of age, unmarried and not in a common-law relationship, or

is 22 years of age or older and has been unable to be financially self-supporting since before the age of 22, due to a physical or mental condition

$150

Temporary Resident Visas

Single entry to Canada

$100

Multiple entry

$100

Transit Visa (for less than 48 hours in Canada)

$500

Visas de transit (moins de 48 heures au Canada)

Free

Extension of Authorization to stay in Canada as a visitor (temporary resident)

$100

Note: The total will not exceed $500 per family, provided that the family members all apply at the same time and place.

Work Permits

Work Permits

$155

Note :This fee is per person, but the total amount will not exceed $465 in the case of a group of three or more performing artists and their staff who apply at the same time and place.

Study Permits

Study Permits

$150

Temporary Resident Permits

Temporary Resident Permits

$200

Spouse or Common-law Partner in Canada Class

Sponsorship application (per application)

$75

Principal applicant

$475

Spouse, common-law partner or conjugal partner of the principal applicant, or where a transitional provision applies, a family member of the principal applicant who is 22 years of age or older

$550

A family member of the principal applicant who is under 19 years of age and is not a spouse or common-law partner, or is 19 years of age or older who has been unable to be financially self-supporting since before the age of 19, due to a physical or mental condition

$150

Where a transitional provision applies, a family member of the principal applicant who:

is under 22 years of age, unmarried and not in a common-law relationship, or

is 22 years of age or older and has been unable to be financially self-supporting since before the age of 22, due to a physical or mental condition

$150

Note: Fees assessed under the Spouse or Common-law Partner in Canada Class are payable, along with the sponsorship fee, when the sponsor files the sponsorship application. Refunds will be issued only if the sponsor withdraws the sponsorship application before processing of the application has begun. The $75 sponsorship fee will not normally be refunded.

Permit Holders Class

Applicant

$325

Even if a foreign national is inadmissible, the Minister may grant him/her permanent resident status based on humanitarian and compassionate or public policy grounds.

Application under Section 25 of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act *

Principal Applicant

$550

Spouse, common-law partner or conjugal partner of the principal applicant, or where a transitional provision applies, a family member of the principal applicant who is 22 years of age or older

$550

A family member of the principal applicant who is under 19 years of age and is not a spouse or common-law partner, or is 19 years of age or older who has been unable to be financially self-supporting since before the age of 19, due to a physical or mental condition

$150

Where a transitional provision applies, a family member of the principal applicant who:

is under 22 years of age, unmarried and not in a common-law relationship, or

is 22 years of age or older and has been unable to be financially self-supporting since before the age of 22, due to a physical or mental condition

$150

*Under this section, the Minister of Citizenship and Immigration may grant permanent resident status to an inadmissible foreign national based on humanitarian and compassionate considerations or public policy considerations.

For the acquisition of permanent resident status

$490

This fee is payable by principal applicants (with some exceptions) and accompanying spouses and common-law partners. It must be paid before the immigrant visa is issued overseas or before the applicant becomes a permanent resident in Canada.

The following applicants are not required to pay this fee:

dependent children of a principal applicant or sponsor, a child to be adopted, or an orphaned brother, sister, niece, nephew or grandchild; and

protected persons, including Convention refugees.

Restoration of Temporary Resident Status

Application processing fee

$200

Permanent Resident Cards*

Application processing fee

$50

Renewal or replacement of lost, damaged or stolen card

$50

* Permanent residents who are outside Canada and do not have a Permanent Resident Card nor an Immigration Record of Landing, may apply for a travel document so that they may return to Canada.

Verification of status or replacement of an immigration document

Application processing fee

$30

Application for a travel document

Application processing fee

$50

After-hours examination

For entry into Canada, outside of normal service hours (payable at time of examination)

$100*

*For the first four hours of the examination; $30 for each additional hour or part thereof.

Alternative means of examination

Application processing fee

$30

Immigration statistical data

Application processing fee

$100*

*For the first 10 minutes or less of access to the Department’s database in order to respond to such a request; $30 for each additional minute or less of access.

Determination of rehabilitation

Application processing fee, if inadmissible on the grounds of serious criminality

$1000

Application processing fee, if inadmissible on the grounds of criminality

This question and answer article outlines the key issues involved in choosing an immigration lawyer.

There is no rule which says a candidate must hire a lawyer to successfully apply for Canadian permanent residency.

Many candidates apply and succeed on their own, while many who apply on their own face unnecessary delays or fail.

Taking a decision to apply for Canadian permanent residency is not done on a whim. It is a life-changing step made to improve the standard of living of an applicant and family members.

The process is costly, takes time and depends on the assessment of third-party officials who review and rate each case.

The review process needs full knowledge of rules and laws which are often revised. Policies and procedures change depending on the aims of the Canadian government of the day.

An immigration officer’s decision must consider an array of issues covered by volumes of government manuals, as well as ad hoc changes. These decisions are often challenged by lawyers and become the subject of volumes of reported case law.

The government encourages candidates to apply without a lawyer, but in reality a good lawyer protects an applicant’s rights.

The government acknowledges this:

“When lawyers and consultants present their clients’ cases in a clear and concise manner, processing is expedited and simplified.”Canadian Embassy in Moscow’s Guidelines for Representatives. October 28, 1996.

Studies also offer proof of higher approval rates for applicants with lawyers.

Part One: How CBA Immigration Lawyers Can Help – Spousal Sponsorship

Part Two: How CBA Immigration Lawyers Can Help – Cross Border Business

Part Three: How CBA Immigration Lawyers Can Help – Permanent Resident

A consultant is any person called on to give advice. A lawyer (attorney, barrister or solicitor) is licensed to perform legal functions. These may include:

Drafting documents,

Interpreting and applying laws,

Giving legal advice,

Representing clients in court.

The practice of law is regulated by each of the provinces. A lawyer must have the following credentials:

Bachelor of law degree from recognized university,

Law admission examinations,

Training under practicing lawyer.

The conduct of lawyers in Canada is regulated by the Professional Order of Lawyers (POL).

POL rules cover areas including:

Separate trust bank accounts for client fees,

Obligations of lawyers towards clients,

Performance of mandates.

Breaking these rules can result in the loss or suspension of a lawyer’s license.

Anyone charging a fee to give advice on immigration must be a member of one of the following:

Provincial or territorial law society

Chambre des notariés du Québec

Immigration Consultants of Canada Regulatory Council (ICCRC), which replaced the Canadian Society of Immigration Consultants (CSIC) in 2011.

The admission process for licensed immigration consultants in Canada is far less rigorous. Immigration consultants do not need the same education, nor are they scrutinized to the same standards.

A client not happy with a lawyer can raise a formal complaint with the POL, which has a fund to provide compensation for irregularities.

In Canada, this is not true.

Canada is a democracy with a government, legislature and judiciary acting independently. Ministers are held to account by parliament.

In immigration and other areas, the legislature gives the government power to apply the rules and laws which govern Canada’s people.

Applying the law requires discretion. A fundamental principle is that officials make decisions impartially and without outside influence.

Public officials face sanction if they are found to have not been impartial.

Private individuals face sanction just for claiming they can influence public officials.

Applicants should not work with anyone claiming to have government ties.

Canadian immigration laws and rules allow for the extensive discretion of immigration officers, exercised within precise limits.

A clear and concise application that addresses the key issues can be assessed more effectively, meaning visas are issued faster.

Examples

Skilled worker category

The skilled worker category has several jobs open to prospective immigrants without the need for a formal offer.

The visa officer must approve and score the candidate’s experience.

A lawyer will know the key points to highlight to maximize that score.

Business categories

Business categories require an applicant to have experience managing a company.

Different visa officers may reach different conclusions. One might conclude managing a large department of a company qualifies, another may not.

An experienced lawyer will know how to present experience effectively.

The Canadian immigration system is always changing to meet the policies of the government of the day.

Visa offices also have specific requirements, which are often not transparent. Success can depend on satisfying these requirements.

A lawyer with experience in Canadian immigration will address issues open to discretion in the application.

A lawyer will also highlight any issues with the assessment process, which are most often corrected without need for legal action.

The decision to move to Canada is life-changing for a family. A lawyer can help maximize the benefits of the decision and give guidance on issues arising once permanent residency is achieved.

Most of the large law firms in Canada do not provide immigration services. The area is generally covered by lawyers who practice independently.

Choosing a good lawyer requires research, and may include the following:

Referrals/References

This is the most reliable factor. Clients who have had a good experience will refer friends and relatives. A good lawyer should be able to put forwarded satisfied clients as references.

Specialization

Canadian immigration policy undergoes continuous change. A specialist, generally defined as having more than 10 years of full time experience, is more likely to be abreast of those changes.

Experience Some lawyers are vastly experienced. This does not automatically translate to expertise, but it is an important factor.

Contract This is required by all Professional Orders. You should receive a detailed written contract from your lawyer.

Funds in trust Applicants should make fees payable to the lawyer or law firm ‘in trust’. This is a condition demanded by Professional Orders. Client fees are held in a separate trust account monitored by the Professional Order. This provides a good indication the lawyer in question adheres to current rules. Applicants should be cautious about making any payment to a corporate entity, regardless of the recipient.

Initial assessments A lawyer should thoroughly outline the entire application process, in writing. The best known practices will do so at no charge.

Advertising

Some lawyers can be found through advertising. Potential clients should not use advertising alone in selecting a lawyer. Do more research first.

Internet

Lawyers will normally have websites to promote their services. Prominent lawyers may also have an established social media network. Look for lawyers who write regular content on sites with in-depth information and analysis. Steer clear of law firms with sites containing a small number of outdated pages and minimal information copied from the government. A lawyer’s expertise should come across on their site content. You may also find free assessments which offer an initial insight into your chances of success.

The rights of applicants applying for immigration status to Canada are often enhanced when represented by effective legal counsel.

If you intend to hire the services of a professional to represent your interests before the Canadian immigration authorities, only Attorneys who are members in good standing of a Canadian Law Society or Consultants who are licensed by the Immigration Consultants of the Canada Regulatory Council (ICCRC) are permitted to act as your representative under Canadian law.

If you intend to hire the services of a professional to represent your interests in Quebec immigration matters, only Attorneys who are members in good standing of the Quebec Law Society (the Barreau du Québec), or Consultants who are licensed by the Quebec Ministry of Immigration and Cultural Communities are permitted to act as you representative under Quebec law.

Colin R. Singer, Attorney

Colin R. Singer, Managing Partner of Immigration.ca is a licensed Canadian lawyer in good standing with a Canadian Law Society (the Quebec Law Society) during the past 25 years and is authorized by the Canadian and Quebec governments to represent your interests in all immigration matters.

You may obtain a confirmation of his current standing as a licensed lawyer in Canada by contacting the Barreau du Québec at the following web site:

Mayada Jamil presently retains the position of Director of Operations of Immigration.ca and since 1998, has gained extensive experience as an immigration practitioner with the firm.

She was previously employed with the Canadian Federal Department of Foreign Affairs assigned to the Canadian Embassy in Damascus, Syria. Ms. Jamil’s broad based knowledge of the Canadian immigration process and her expertise in the area of Canadian immigration policy and government relations is an obvious asset to both foreign nationals as well as Canadian human resource managers.

Mayada Jamil is a licensed Canadian Immigration Consultant in good standing with both the Immigration Consultants of Canada Regulatory Council (ICCRC) (Membership # R412439), and the Quebec Ministry of Immigration and Cultural Communities (Membership 11240) and is authorized by the Canadian and Quebec governments to represent your interests in all immigration matters.

She is proficient in the English, French and Arabic languages.

Larisa Drutman, Immigration Advisor

Larisa Drutman is an experienced immigration advisor with Immigration.ca and has been employed with the firm since 1998.

During the past number of years Ms. Drutman gained extensive experience as an immigration practitioner, developing an expertise in processing temporary work permits for employment across Canada and overseeing applications for Canadian permanent residence under the Federal as well as the Quebec and Provincial Nominee Programs.

Ms. Drutman is a licensed Canadian Immigration Consultant in good standing with the Immigration Consultants of Canada Regulatory Council (ICCRC) (Membership # RR410055) and is authorized by the Canadian government to represent your interests in all immigration matters.

She is proficient in the English, French, Russian and Hebrew languages.